Fox 2.5 vs 6112

I’ve been reading threads for months and still feel undecided.
2012 LBDC 4wd 165k miles. Stock Suspension is gone. Rough country roads and highway driving. Offroad driving consists of beach driving 15-40mph through soft sand and washouts. Just looking for 2” or a little less if front. 1.5” in the rear. Don’t want to upgrade uca.
Fox 2.5 front 0-2”
Fox 2.0 w res rear
Icon aal
$1958

vs
6112/ 5160 3rd clip w/ spacer
Headstrong aal.
$1411 assembled.
Around a $550 difference. Any and all options appreciated
Ryan

 

Both are great options. For your use, the bilsteins seem to be a good fit. Fox is an excellent brand but tends to run stiffer then the bilsteins. The fox shocks are great for faster driving off road. Additionally they are serviceable which can be a benefit when they age.

 

Appreciate the info... I was under the impression that the Bilsteins would be stiffer than fox shocks. Probably just go with the 6112s.

 

I run 6112/5160 with an Icon add a leaf. For the price you can't beat them. My opinion, with the prices you quoted, is to buy the Bilstein setup and use the savings for UCAs. I know you don't want to but you'll be happy you did.

 

Sage advice.

 

What is the advantage of upgrading uca’s If I stay below 2” of front lift?

 

For me, it was gaining back articulation on the down stroke.

 

I'm no expert by any means, but from my experience and research they correct the geometry so that the alignment will go back as close to stock as possible.

 

I agree... you won’t regret going ahead and getting the UCAS with the bilstein setup.

They can still be had on a budget...

JBA - $449
Freedom Offroad - $340

 

I don't have any experience with the 6112's, but I do like my Fox's from Accutune

 

I'm running extended travel Fox 2.5s with SPC uca and the swaybar removed up front and fox 2.0 remote reservoirs with a Dakar pack with 3rd leaf removed and they ride like butter. I do have some extra weight so they are probably softer than they would be on a truck without armor and a shell.

No experience with the 6112.

 

Appreciate all the feedback! I went ahead and purchased the 6112/5160 w/ aal. Still deciding on the uca’s.

 

Thanks for the thread @Rhino83 . I’m considering the same 2 options.

Thanks too to all who answered. Good info

 

I’ll sub for more suggestions. I’m currently running a 5100/885 setup with Icon 3 leaf AAL in the rear. Looking to upgrade in the near future and torn between the same two options...

My thoughts on Bilsteins are that they’re stiff and a bit harsh, at least the 5100s have been. I’d like to maintain 2.5 to 3 inches of lift (running 285/70/17s and have SPC UCAs) but would like to “soften” up the ride a bit. I’m afraid if I go with the 6112s and set the springs on the 4th or 5th notch (required for the lift I want), the digressive valving will make them super rough. Whereas the Fox 2.5 coilovers have a more linear/progressive valving and should be softer, even set at 2.5” of lift. The price difference is about $500-$550 between the two setups (non reservoir Fox 2.5 coilovers up front) and since I already have aftermarket UCAs I’m not concerned about saving money for those, I’m more concerned about ride quality on and off the road.

Also, FWIW, I have very little added weight on the truck and no plans to add armor or steel bumpers.

 

I have the 5100 and 5150’s rear but with only 2” lift. I’m in the same camp , I feel the ride is too harsh and the rebound control is not enough. Maybe because of the digestive pistons.
A local guy is selling his 6112’s for $300 with only 500 mi on them. I m tempted to try them out but Makes me think they are not much better.
Did you end up getting the fox? I’m leaning towards the OME 51’s or Dobinson because of the adjustability.

 

I'd be interested also what others say on the 6112's. I haven't tried them, but I've also read that the 5100's are rather stiff compared to other shocks, like the OME Nitrochargers.

It's not a fair comparison, but I switch from Nitrochargers to Fox 2.5 with res. and DSC and the ride is smoother on those gravel roads and especially on the harder hits or dips. Of course, hitting speed bumps is much more comfortable. I think if you want the adjustability, the BP51's and Dobinsons are nice setups. But for $300, I would just try them, and if you don't like them, sell them.

 

You could work your way through the Baja thread on people's thoughts on the 6112's

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/trd-pro-tx-baja-official-thread.360056/

 

Not a bad deal at that price buddy. At the very least, you could try them out, see if you like them and get your money back here on the forums if you end up not liking them.

My vote is you pick up a used set of 3rd Gen Fox TRD Pro shocks for your 2nd gen. I picked up a set w/ 2k miles from a 2022 TRD Pro for $1500 and they've been pretty awesome on my 2014 TRD OR.